Openness, Ease, Partners and Training

Hi-Tech Security Solutions recently sat down with Milestone System’s sales director, MEA & ANZ, Peter Biltsted and its regional sales manager for Africa, Islem Cherchali, to discuss the company’s approach to the security market and what it sees as critical to the future of surveillance. Milestone Certified Partner Francois Malan of Camsecure also shares his expertise.

Milestone is an IP company and has been developing open, IP-based video management software for years. It has a direct presence in 14 countries, with distributors and integrators representing it in more than 100. Its constant growth over the years, even posting an 11% growth rate in the 2009 downturn, has validated its position that the future of surveillance and security technology as a whole is IP.

Biltsted states that the future of this industry will end up being on an IT infrastructure, but he warns that while open standards offer flexibility and give users many more options, openness requires more expertise from installers. Integrators need to ensure they have the right skills to be able to meet customers’ needs. It is no longer simply a matter of running a cable to a camera and deciding on the right viewing angle.

More companies are starting to demand certifications and accreditation from their installers before allowing them onto the premises. And while this is old hat in the IT industry, there are many security installers who simply could not be bothered, and who will find the going tougher as more standards and certifications are required in tenders.

Milestone has now invested in the launch of a company named Connex International, focused exclusively on training partners and integrators to multiple levels of accreditation. This will ensure that end users receive quality advice and technical support instead of struggling with installations that are inefficient.

Read the full article on the Hi-Tech Security website: learn about the limitless options of an open platform and exciting new technology offerings.